Lot 924
Etruscan bronze mirror with a four-line inscription, 5th–3rd centuries B.C.
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A109kua | Live auction | 1190 Lots
Description
Etruscan mirror with characteristic outline. Round mirror surface flowing seamlessly into a trapezoidal grip base, below which, after obliquely angled steps on both sides, the triangular tang for attachment to the handle. In contrast to most Etruscan mirrors, the border folded into a ridge on the reverse is absent. The present example is completely flat on both sides. The obverse once highly polished to serve as a mirror. The reverse bearing a four-line Etruscan inscription. On both sides a dark cuprite layer, which in isolated areas, particularly in the lower section of the obverse, hints at the former polish. Otherwise the cuprite layer is largely covered with a light green oxide layer, itself overlaid with a thin brownish layer of earth incrustations. Various flaking of these layers reveals the underlying layer in each case. On the reverse, under favourable lighting, the inscription is fully and very legibly visible. The surface has, however, been left in its original condition without removal of the oxide and incrustation deposits. Isolated minimal nicks on the border, otherwise completely intact. An impressive testament to Etruscan literacy, still awaiting concrete interpretation by a specialised Etruscologist. Length 17.3 cm. Wide 12.7 cm. Thickness 1 mm. CULTURAL ASSET!Provenance: Schweizer Privatbesitz, erworben im Deutscher Galerie
Condition: II Questions about the lot?
